In this gripping first episode, we uncover the extraordinary life of Takahashi Korekiyo, a financial genius who shaped modern Japan. Born as an illegitimate child in feudal Japan, Takahashi's journey takes us from the streets of Edo to the halls of power, where he would eventually become one of the world's most influential economists.

From his humble beginnings and unexpected adoption into a samurai family to his harrowing experience as an indentured servant in America, Takahashi's early life reads like a dramatic novel.

Yet these challenges forged the unique perspective that would later revolutionize Japan's economy.As Japan's Finance Minister, Takahashi achieved what seemed impossible: leading Japan out of the Great Depression before any other major power through groundbreaking economic policies. His innovative approach, combining fiscal stimulus, monetary expansion, and currency depreciation, earned him the nickname "Japan's Keynes"—implementing these strategies even before Keynes published his revolutionary theories.

However, Takahashi's story takes a dark turn as Japan's military regime gains power. His steadfast opposition to excessive military spending and his commitment to economic stability ultimately led to his tragic assassination during the February 26 Incident of 1936.

This episode explores how this economic visionary's death marked a crucial turning point in Japanese history, setting the nation on a path toward militarism and war.Join us as we delve into this fascinating tale of resilience, innovation, and tragedy—a story that not only shaped Japan's destiny but continues to influence economic thinking in times of crisis today.

Duration: 30 minutes